Milence, the Dutch joint venture of the three truck manufacturers Daimler Truck, the Traton Group with its brands MAN, Scania, the American brand International, as well as Volkswagen Truck & Bus and the Volvo Group, is rapidly expanding its European charging network for electric trucks. In Germany, the project completed the first two facilities of this kind in the country at the end of last year.
Almost a quarter of a year later, Belgium received the first European megawatt charging station of the brand. While the charging network expansion is also being pushed forward in other European countries – at the same time, Milence announces a new construction in the northern French coastal town of Dunkerque near the Belgian border – Recklinghausen now receives the first public charging park in the Ruhr area exclusively for electrified long-distance trucks. The location in Germany's largest metropolitan area, which will also provide electricity for electric coaches in the future, was opened in the presence of NRW's Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Mona Neubaur (Alliance 90/The Greens).
Up to 400 kW charging capacity
The strategically well-located charging park on the northern edge of the Ruhr area serves as an important stop for heavy electric vehicles along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in western Germany. It features six CCS (Combined Charging System) charging stations with up to 400 kW. The charging capacity is to be increased in the second phase by the introduction of a Megawatt Charging System (MCS), it is stated. For the comfort and relaxation of drivers, the facilities are equipped with rest areas, showers, and vending machines, among other things.
Multiple locations in Germany
Recklinghausen is the fifth charging park from Milence officially opened in Germany. With the opening of these
facilities, the company underscores its leading role as a Charge Point Operator (CPO) in building a comprehensive charging infrastructure for electric trucks and buses in Germany, according to the press release of the company founded in 2022.
All new charging parks are located at busy traffic hubs and facilitate electric freight transport along the TEN-T core network corridors Rhine-Alps and Scandinavia-Mediterranean:
- Recklinghausen (near the A2, 6 CCS charging points) connects the North Sea ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp with Hanover, Berlin, and Poland
- Koblenz (near A61, 8 CCS charging points) connects the regions of Cologne and Frankfurt
- Kirchberg an der Jagst (near the A6, 8 CCS charging points) connects southern Germany with the French border as well as the metropolitan regions of Rhine-Neckar and Nuremberg
Charging infrastructure for electric freight transport provides planning security
With one of the highest market shares of battery-electric long-distance trucks in Europe and its central location at the heart of the continental logistics network, Germany serves as a key market for the electrification of road freight transport. With the opening of the new charging parks, Milence triples the number of its total charging points, significantly expanding its e-truck charging network in Germany. As stated in the press release, the charging infrastructure operator thereby significantly contributes to supporting the transformation of the transport sector parallel to the market ramp-up. "By the end of 2025, Germany will be one of the largest markets in the Milence network with a total of eight operational charging parks," it is stated. Anja van Niersen, CEO of Milence, says:
“Germany is the heart and central hub of European road freight transport. Today’s opening of our charging park in Recklinghausen is an important gap closure for the electrification of freight transport in western
Germany."
North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection Mona Neubaur also predicts success for electromobility in the transport sector. The first charging station of this kind in the region marks a significant step "towards climate-friendly freight transport". The electric trucks will be charged with clean electricity at the location and will contribute to environmental and noise protection in cities and municipalities. Neubaur said:
"One thing is clear: the future of logistics is electric. That's why we support this transition - for better climate protection, a strong and competitive economy, and a future-ready North Rhine-Westphalia."
For fleet operators, the improved charging infrastructure pays off through seamless charging options and gives them planning security, the report continues. Across Europe, electric freight routes are now taking shape, including long-distance routes such as Barcelona-Lyon, Paris-Hanover, and Antwerp-Stockholm. The latter is equipped with megawatt charging systems (MCS).
"Milence's hubs serve as key points on these routes and lay the foundation for the first European electric transport axes. Logistics companies can plan their routes and benefit from affordable and reliable public charging."
More planning security and a comprehensive offering for logistics companies
By the end of 2025, Milence aims to operate more than 30 charging parks in nine markets. In line with the EU's funding initiative for alternative fuel infrastructures (AFIF), at least 284 MCS charging points are to be installed at 71 locations in ten EU member states by 2027.
The Milence charging parks offer not only fast charging but also comprehensive amenities for drivers. For example, most facilities provide rest areas, showers, lounges, and vending machines. Soon, a booking tool is also expected to facilitate the planning of charging operations and improve efficiency for fleet operators.
According to Milence, the charging park in
Recklinghausen offers a fast and reliable charging experience for all electric trucks, regardless of their brand. Milence ensures availability and transparency for all users with a robust payment system. Through partnerships with leading e-Mobility Service Providers (eMSPs), drivers can pay with a variety of common charging cards. Direct payment via terminal or with the Milence Card is also possible. The standard rate is 0.399 euros/kWh (plus VAT).
About Milence
Milence is committed to freeing road transport from fossil fuels. To implement this vision, the company, according to its own statement, is building a reliable charging network for battery-electric heavy trucks. The goal, according to its own plans, is to install high-performance charging points along all major TEN-T corridors across Europe and align infrastructure expansion with customer needs and market developments. Milence was founded in July 2022 as a joint venture with an initial focus on 15 markets at several key locations.
According to its own information, the company is growing rapidly to ensure that electric heavy-duty vehicles can be seamlessly supplied with electricity across the European continent. In this way, the transition to a "sustainable and efficient transport system" is to be supported. According to the information provided, the joint venture, headquartered in Amsterdam, operates as an independent, autonomous company with initial funding of 500 million euros. According to the website, by 2027, 1,700 public charging points for electric trucks are planned to be constructed and commissioned in Europe to "accelerate the transition to zero-emission heavy trucks."
The charging stations are being built along the TEN-T corridor (Trans-European Transport Network), which serves to connect major transport axes in Europe for emission-free transport. The guidelines for creating a corresponding transport infrastructure are laid down in the Regulation 2024/1153 of the European Union.
